UTU Technologies

The Base Founders Fellowship was more than just a program!!! What a 10 days it’s been across Kenya 🇰🇪 from the buzzing energy of Nairobi city, to the breathtaking hills of Sagana, to the chilly charm of Nyeri where Queen Elizabeth once stayed, and back to Nairobi again, wrapping it all up with a visit to the iconic National Park. The Base Founders Fellowship by Coinbase was more than just a program, it was a journey through ecosystems, ideas, and people shaping the next wave of innovation in Africa and beyond. UTU Technologies We spent days immersed in workshops, founder sessions, and masterclass from Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, digging deep into our products, business models, and the real mechanics of scaling. From late-night deck reworks to hands-on pitch practice with insights from VCs and investors, the experience was transformative. for Storipod A huge highlight was the session with Alexander Levchenko of Sumitomo Corporation Safaricom’s early and largest investor, who gave us a sharp investor’s POV on Investor on a business , clarity on DCF & Cashflow and business valuation. We also had intimate 1:1 sessions with incredible minds from Yoseph Ayele from LAVA , Jay Drain Jr. of a16z crypto, Maria Shen of Electric Capital, and Nick Tomaino of 1confirmation , Ogedegbe Uyoyo of cNGN each one pushing us to refine our thinking and sharpen our approach to building enduring products in Web3 and beyond. This experience has not only deepened our conviction but also reminded us why we build to create, to connect, and to push boundaries. Special thanks to the entire Base team for curating such a rich experience for founders across Africa and beyond Damilare Aregbesola Eddie J. Kago Derrick O.. with Jason Eisen our program director of UTU Technologies & Eng.Joan Jerop for taking care of us!! 🎥 Here’s a link to the full Demo Day recap an unforgettable close to an incredible journey. https://lnkd.in/ezc7c_FY #BaseFoundersFellowship #BasebyCoinbase #Web3Africa #Innovation #FoundersJourney #Storipod

For a lawyer, standing in a room full of the top Web3 and fintech founders in Africa felt… different. The first few days at the Based Founders Fellowship (co-organized by UTU Technologies and sponsored by Coinbase) were about one thing: “trying to fit in.” I was surrounded by blockchain engineers, crypto founders, and technical builders talking about their product at lightning speed. And there I was…a lawyer, development specialist, and community builder, learning to speak the language of code, crypto gurus, and cross-border payments. When my co-founder, Emmanuel Isika, the fintech brain behind Reva by Centry, asked me to represent us in Kenya, I honestly thought it was a trap. But then it clicked. I didn’t need to “fit in.” I just needed to show up, with my own voice, my own story, and the vision that drives us at Centry: “making money land on time across Africa safely, speedily, and without having to wait for eternity.” That mission is deeply personal. I’ve seen how slow receiving international payments can be, especially when it’s meant to save or sustain a life. Having to wait hours or even days for money that could change everything isn’t a joke. Years ago, when my mum was involved in a tragic accident, I saw how timing can mean the difference between survival and loss. That experience made me realize that beyond technology, we’re building systems of trust and access that truly touch lives. Few days ago, I pitched our vision to VCs like Andreessen Horowitz, Electric Capital, and 1confirmation, connected with brilliant African founders, and walked away with one truth: innovation is not just about tech, it’s about people solving real problems. Grateful to the Base team, mentors, and fellows for the community, clarity, and courage to keep building. This is only the beginning, we’re building the future of cross-border payments from Africa to the world. #BaseFoundersFellowship #Coinbase #Reva #Centry #AfricaTech #Web3 #Innovation #Fintech #WomenInTech #StartupLife

I squeezed 10 unforgettable days into a 2-minute recap. Nothing beats in-person learning and collaboration. My mind was stretched, and my smile lines are deeper. Am I a different person after the Based Founders Fellowship? Yes  Do we need more programs like this for builders and creators? Hell yes Massive thanks to UTU Technologies, Coinbase, a16z crypto, and everyone who made this magic happen: the organizers, sponsors, mentors, and fellow participants who showed up with smarts, fun and driven intention. Jason Eisen Eng.Joan Jerop Eddie J. Kago Damilare Aregbesola Derrick O. Xen Baynham-Herd Kofi K. Alexander Levchenko Yoseph Ayele Maria Shen Jay Drain Jr. Ambassador Philip Thigo, MBS